College of Education

Story and top photo developed by University Communications. Caroline Pedersen From: Marietta, Georgia Major: Special Education Why this major: In high school, I got involved in a nonprofit organization called Miss Amazing. Even after my first year volunteering, I could see there is a need to build support for those with disabilities in the community. A large group of individuals do not feel that they are loved. After a few more years with the program, I wanted to continue to make individuals...

Story and photos developed by University Communications. Taylor Casey From: LaGrange, Georgia. Major: Special Education Why that major: When starting, I knew I had a heart for service and helping people and kids. This is what led me to teach! I was an early childhood education major and a middle grades education major, before going into special education. To say I didn't know who I wanted to teach was an understatement. Finally, I attended a major/career fair where I went to the College...

Story developed by University Communications. His father gave him his first camera at age 12.   Now Dr. Chris Greer, professor of Instructional Technology at Georgia College & State University, uses that passion to educate people worldwide about photography and travel. His first TV outdoor-adventure show, “View Finders,” aired last spring on Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). It was so popular, he was invited back for a second season. “I love to educate the general public about history,...

Story and photos developed by University Communications. In a recent class assignment, everyone in Betsy Short’s arts and literacy class expected Maddie to volunteer for an acting role. But, as parts were doled out, she never raised her hand. Until the leading role, that is. That’s when Maddie’s hand shot up. She got the part and “performed brilliantly,” said Dr. Nicole DeClouette, interim associate dean and professor of Special Education. Madelyn St. John of Milledgeville is one of...

Story and photos developed by University Communications. Alumni of the John H. Lounsbury College of Education are everywhere in Central Georgia. They are superintendents, principals and teachers. Some come back to Georgia College & State University (GCSU) after graduation as pre-education instructors to help shape tomorrow’s instructors. Next week, many will return to their alma mater for what they consider their most important task: hiring new teachers. Many education majors will...

Graduate student Abbas Fares of Lübbecke, Germany, who’s originally from Lebanon, is pursuing his dream to teach English and physical education at a vocational college. While here, he’s making connections and working on his vocabulary.  Before coming to Georgia College & State University (GCSU), Fares got a taste of America on a visit with his aunt in New York City. Because of the pandemic and online courses, he felt that his English skills had been floundering. So, that’s when he...

Yalonda Wright of Milledgeville, Georgia lives for musical moments. The moments when musicians are in a group setting, playing well and harmonizing.  She thought performing was her future, but volunteering and leadership opportunities have spotlighted a new path to the young star.  “Having the chance to be that leader for somebody in music: helping them develop, seeing them grow and watching them amazed at the final product and themselves for doing it led me to this,” Wright said...

When her friend was diagnosed with a learning disability in high school, special education major Ileana DeJesus was ignited with passion for children with learning disabilities—and supporting them in the classroom.  “I wanted to be a doctor, and it’s kind of a funny story, because I was horrible at biology in 9th grade,” she said. “Now, I teach high school biology, so I’ve come full-circle.” Right now, the Henry County native is a student teacher of biology at Jones County High School...

Kamdyn Radake  What’s your degree? My degree is Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Language Arts and Mathematics. Why were you interested in that area of study? From a young age, I was interested in teaching, and I had several family members who were teachers that I was able to look up to. Additionally in high school, I participated in my school's education pathway where I fell in love with teaching. Where are you from? I am from Cumming, Ga. Why did you choose to attend...

It’s hard to know what career path to take as a young adult. In many cases, students face challenges understanding what a specific job entails and therefore have a hard time visualizing themselves in that career.   To respond to those challenges and help bridge the teacher shortage gap, Georgia College’s John H. Lounsbury College of Education along with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) partnered to bring nearly 200 high school students to campus to see first-hand...